What is SolidWorks?
Pros from reviewers
-
Excellent render tools: Its render tools are some of the best in the market, which is excellent for impressing clients
-
User-friendly interface: SolidWorks is often the first software taught in many engineering schools due to its user-friendly interface and the accessibility of its key tools on the first page, making it perfect for beginners
-
Design validation: It allows for design validation through finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics, eliminating the need for additional software
-
Large community for support: There's a large community for support if you have any questions, which can be very helpful for beginners and experienced users alike
-
Customization: Once mastered, the customization it provides is remarkable, allowing users to tailor the software to their specific needs.
Cons from reviewers
-
Unstable program: SolidWorks has been reported to crash often and contain numerous bugs, making the creation of large assemblies challenging
-
High cost: SolidWorks is a somewhat expensive software, making it a significant investment especially for individual parts or small machine projects where cheaper or free software might be a better choice
-
Poor customer support: The quality of customer support varies depending on the Value-Added-Reseller (VAR), with some users finding the customer service unhelpful
-
Frequent crashes: Despite its robust features, SolidWorks has been reported to crash occasionally, especially when working with large assemblies, which can disrupt workflow and productivity.
-
Specific computer requirements: The CPU, GPU, and RAM requirements for SolidWorks are quite specific, which can make the initial investment quite high
Main features
Starting Price
Free Plan
Drawing and documentation
CAD/CAM integration
DELMIAWorks Manufacturing ERP
Design validation
Conception/Engineering
Starting Price
N/A
Free Plan
No
Drawing and documentation
CAD/CAM integration
DELMIAWorks Manufacturing ERP
Design validation
Conception/Engineering
How SolidWorks compare to similar software?
Product
Price
N/A
Free plan
No
Main features
Pros
Cons
Alternatives
Deal
No available deal at the moment
Who is SolidWorks best for according to our reviewers?
Beginners in Engineering: SolidWorks is often the first software taught in many engineering schools due to its user-friendly interface and the accessibility of its key tools on the first page
3D Animators: SolidWorks is excellent for creating 3D animation videos for presentations, with user-friendly and feature-rich modules
Long-term Professional Users: SolidWorks is suitable for long-term professional users who need to handle complex assemblies and revisions, with improved collaboration and SAP-like features in the latest versions.
Mechanical Designers: SolidWorks is widely used in the industry for mechanical part design and allows for design validation through finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics
Manufacturing Professionals: SolidWorks is a go-to CAD package in manufacturing, offering a variety of plugins and a logical workflow
SolidWorks Reviews
4.0
SolidWorks rating
4.8
Ease of use
4.8
Customer service
4.1
Value for money
4.3
Likelihood to recommend
4.6
Features
25 SolidWorks Reviews
-
Jessica C
Journeying Through SolidWorks: A User's Perspective
Although I haven't used SolidWorks extensively, I found it similar to other mechanical design software. I found SolidWorks easy to use, especially if you're familiar with this type of software. With minimal training, I was able to create simple machine assemblies and run simulations without any issues. SolidWorks is widely used in the industry for mechanical part design and has improved over the years. I found it intuitive and easy to use from the start, requiring little training. There's a large community for support if you have any questions. It also allows for design validation through finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics, eliminating the need for additional software. However, like most software of this kind, SolidWorks is somewhat expensive. The investment is worthwhile for large projects, but for individual parts or small machines, cheaper or free software might be a better choice. Also, the computer requirements for SolidWorks in terms of CPU, GPU, and RAM are quite specific, making the initial investment quite high. I switched to. I want you to speak in the first person.
July 16, 2024
-
Russell Smith
High-Quality CAD Software
I recommend Solidworks, a good quality CAD software. It may not look as visually appealing as AutoCAD, but it's easier to use!
July 6, 2024
-
Madison R
Top-tier CAD Software with Unparalleled User Interface: SolidWorks
I started using SolidWorks during my undergraduate studies and found it equipped with all necessary features, ranging from intricate 3D design to material selection and flow analysis. Although it's enterprise software, its user interface is surprisingly well-designed. There's a slight learning curve, but once mastered, the customization it provides is remarkable. I transitioned to SolidWorks Premium due to its clean user interface and the feature to input material cost, which aids in calculating the final cost of the product I'm designing.
June 29, 2024
-
Justin B
SolidWorks Premium: Elevating Drawing and Modeling
I think this is an outstanding product. It's extensively used and has an incredible support system. It offers handy tools that make the design process easier. However, it can sometimes be difficult to spot errors when trying to fully define a part or assembly. We transitioned to SolidWorks Premium for its 3D design capabilities.
June 25, 2024
-
James Miller
Excellent in Theory but as Dependable as a
In my opinion, Solidworks is great in theory but its reliability is comparable to a Brexit agreement. The updates seem to worsen its reliability. I recommend using the 216 version as I haven't seen any improvements since SP5 of that variant.
June 17, 2024
-
Patrick C
SolidWorks: Ensuring Durability and Safety with Stress Analysis and Exceptional Customer Support
The software's ability to perform stress analysis on designs has been invaluable in ensuring the durability and safety of my products. Lastly, the customer support provided by SolidWorks is top-notch, they have always been quick to resolve any issues I've encountered.
June 11, 2024
-
Paul B
SolidWorks: Streamlining Assembly Modeling and Design Changes
SolidWorks' robust assembly modeling capabilities have allowed me to visualize how individual components fit together, which is crucial in my line of work. The parametric design approach of SolidWorks has made it easier for me to make changes to my designs without having to start from scratch
June 4, 2024
-
Michael D
Inadequate Customer Assistance
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with your software, Solidworks, due to numerous bugs that have hindered its effective use. Despite multiple attempts to contact your support team for assistance, I have received no response, leaving me frustrated and disappointed with your service.
May 28, 2024
-
Amy E
Efficient Design with SolidWorks' Library and Technical Drawings
SolidWorks' vast library of materials and components has been a game-changer for me, allowing for a more efficient design process. The software's ability to create detailed technical drawings has greatly simplified the communication of complex designs to non-technical stakeholders
May 21, 2024
-
Sarah
Improved Design Process with 3D Modeling and Simulation
its 3D modeling capabilities have significantly improved my design process. The software's simulation feature has been particularly useful in testing the viability of my designs before production
May 13, 2024
